New Car/Review

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD SLE Extended Cab Pickup (2001)

by Carey Russ

Sometimes being last makes it easier to be first. The current
generation of Chevrolet's Silverado pickup line debuted after its
competition, with regular-duty half-ton 1500 models introduced in
1999. The lineup has recently been completed with the introduction
of the 2001 three-quarter ton 2500 and one-ton 3500 heavy-duty
models. The appropriately-named HD pickups out-equip and out-
power their competition, with sophisticated design and specification
and brute power.

"Sophisticated design" in a commercial-grade pickup?
Count on it. Trucks are changing, and there is no reason for any
truck driver or passenger, even in what have traditionally been
thought of as primarily "work" vehicles, to be uncomfortable. To
that end, a new and much more rigid chassis that utilizes the
"hydroforming" technology pioneered in the current Corvette, and
a stiffer body structure reduce noise and improve steering response
and handling. Three powerful V8 engines - a reworked 6.0-liter, an
almost completely redesigned 8.1-liter "big block", and a new 6.6-
liter " Duramax " turbodiesel - provide serious power for heavy-
duty towing and load-carrying. The larger engines are matched to a
standard six-speed ZF manual gearbox or a high-tech automatic
built by truck specialist Allison. Standard levels of comfort
equipment are high.

As is the case with full-sized pickups, a full range of
Silverado HD models are available, with choices including two- or
four-wheel drive, regular, extended, or crew cabs, short or long
cargo boxes and chassis-cab models for aftermarket conversions. I
had a chance to drive most at the press introduction in Branson,
Missouri, last summer, and was very impressed, especially by the
performance and refinement of the diesel. So I arranged to test a
Duramax-equipped Silverado 2500 HD at home recently. It's not a
vehicle for everyone, but could easily fit the needs of anyone who
needs a truck with a 3,600-lb payload or the ability to tow 12,000
lbs, and do so with commendable fuel economy. And, if that's not
enough, larger models can tow almost 16,000 lbs.

APPEARANCE: The Silverado HD is a large, handsome pickup
that is similar in most respects to the regular half-ton Silverado, but
is noticeably larger. In extended or crew-cab form, it dwarfs a
Suburban. The "power dome" hood and larger, more trapezoidal
grille are unique to the HD; the bowtie-bedecked chrome bar across
the grille and over-and-under light arrangement should erase any
doubt as to its manufacturer. Running lights on the cab roof
distinguish it. With a six-foot cargo box and 157-inch wheelbase,
the extended-cab HD is seriously long.

COMFORT: It's a good step up to get into the HD, but once inside
you'll find accommodations that are much better than basic.
Standard equipment, even in the base SL, includes cloth upholstery
and a 40/20/40 split front bench with outboard belt-to-seat harness
anchors that is as comfortable and supportive as most bucket seats,
a well-designed instrument panel with comprehensive
instrumentation, an AM/FM stereo, and courtesy lighting. The SLE
adds power windows and mirrors, remote entry, a CD player, and
more, giving it all of the conveniences of a well-equipped family
car. The SLT adds leather front upholstery and the OnStar
telematics system. The rear seat is comparable in accommodation to
that of a mid-sized sedan; the six-foot cargo box is a little more
commodious than the average sedan's trunk. People who buy trucks
like this often spend long periods of time in them, and at any trim
level, the Silverado HD has plenty of room, comfort, and
equipment for them.

ROADABILITY: Compared to the way serious pickups used to
feel, the extended-cab Silverado HD is remarkably civilized. While
a blindfolded occupant won't mistake it for a car, it won't be
confused with a Conestoga wagon, either. Increased frame and
body rigidity reduce noise and improve steering and suspension
response. The suspension design is conventional, with independent
double control arms and torsion bars in front and a solid axle
mounted on leaf springs in the rear, but well-matched spring and
shock rates give reasonable ride comfort. Unloaded, it's bouncy,
especially on a bumpy road. This is an unavoidable pickup
characteristic - the 2500 extended-cab can hold over 3,500 lbs of
cargo, and its suspension is designed accordingly.

PERFORMANCE: Recalibrate your thinking about diesels. The
6.6-liter Duramax not only makes 300 horsepower and an
astounding 520 lb-ft of torque, it's remarkably quiet (although still
noticeably a diesel), and extremely fuel-efficient. In 200 miles of
mixed city and highway driving, my test truck used around a
quarter of its 34-gallon fuel tank. Even allowing for gauge and
reading accuracy, that's around 20mpg - from a 5500-lb pickup!
Acceleration is not exactly sluggish, either, with a 0-to-60 time
(unloaded) under 9 seconds. My test truck was equipped with the
optional Allison five-speed automatic transmission, which worked
exceptionally well, downshifting like a manual when slowing in
"tow/haul" mode. "Performance" in the context of a truck like this
includes towing and hauling ability, and the HD Silverado will not
disappoint. The 2WD 2500 extended-cab model is rated at 12000
lbs for trailering, and 3677 lb payload capacity. A 5,000-lb boat and
trailer would hardly be noticed.